Have You Replaced Your Cabin Air Filter?
There are several common things that vehicle owners have in mind when it comes to auto maintenance. One often overlooked vehicle component is the cabin air filter. It seems like a small piece of the puzzle, but it’s a difference maker in vehicle health, and in vehicle performance.
Most people decline or put off getting their cabin air filter replaced, but it is crucial you keep up and stay on top of all aspects of your vehicle’s spring maintenance.
What is a Cabin Air Filter?
This is a common question. Many people don't even know the have one!
Cabin air filters are usually located behind the glove compartment of most vehicles, or by the base of the windshield. These filters are responsible for filtering air that enters your vehicle through both the AC and heating systems.
It is critical to keep a healthy quality of air within your vehicle and the cabin air filter helps with this by filtering out:
Debris
Dust
Pollution
Pollen
Mold
Spores
Why replace your Cabin Air Filter?
A clogged and dirty air filter will affect both your car's health and your health as well. Here are six great reasons to use a quality air filter in all of your vehicles and to replace them regularly:
Reduce Pollution Exposure:
Your cabin air filter is for the most part the only thing that stands between the outside world and the interior of your vehicle. For this reason, the filter's whole job is to block smog, grime, and dirty exhaust fumes caused by other vehicles on the road. A regular change of this air filter helps to ensure there is a clear separation from roadway air to your vehicle's interior air.
Reduce Allergen Exposure:
Along with pollutants, cabin air filters also assist in reducing the amount of allergens entering your vehicle. Pollen can easily enter your vehicle, and the less often you change your filter, and the more strained your current filter is, the easier pollen will find its way in. Regardless of where you live, it is important to regularly check and change your air filter so there is no worry about allergens entering and building up within your vehicle.
Filter Out Road Debris:
As unlikely as it may seem, many vehicle owners find their air filters obstructed with sticks, leaves, and other natural debris that is found on the sides of the roadway. These things may have a tremendous impact on the functionality of your filter, and are again another reason as to why you should be on top of your vehicle’s maintenance.
Reduce Engine Strain:
Since your AC or heating system is working harder to cool or heat your vehicle’s cabin, your engine has to work harder to provide power to keep these systems going. An obstructed and clogged air filter may also impact fuel efficiency because of the fact that your engine is putting in more work than it should.
Improve A/C Efficiency:
When the air filter is obstructed, your AC works harder to get air through the filter. This may result in either a noisy or inefficient cooling system. If your filter can’t get air through, the time it takes to cool down the cabin only increases, leaving you to sweat and wait.
Limit Air Duct Odors:
Neglecting to change your cabin air filter can lead to the growth of mold. This mold buildup can be responsible for foul and musty odors and smells. Not only will it make your cabin smell bad, but mold is also extremely harmful to human health. By replacing your filter regularly, you can avoid breathing in unhealthy and toxic substances.
When should you replace a Cabin Air Filter?
The timing of replacing your cabin air filter comes down to your vehicle’s year, make, and model. So a quick scan of your owner's manual, or a quick search of google should do the trick.
If you're not sure, book a LubeVan to inspect or replace your cabin air filter for you. A general rule of thumb is that cabin air filters should be replaced between every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
If your air filter is close to needing a replacement, you might also notice the following:
Reduced air flow using climate controls
Excessive noise while heating or AC is in use
Increased dust within your vehicle
Unpleasant odors that won't go away
Whistling noises from air ducts
If you notice any of the tell-tale signs that your cabin air filter should be replaced, or if it’s just that time of the year, contact LubeVan to get an appointment scheduled! At both a time and location of your choosing, we will come replace your air filter and assist with any other vehicle needs or maintenance!
